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Human gene therapy and imaging: cardiology.
Joseph C Wu1, Seppo Yla-Herttuala
1Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Edwards Building, Room R354, Stanford, CA 94305-5344, USA. joewu@stanford.edu
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
|August 13, 2005
Summary
Cardiovascular gene therapy shows promise for treating heart disease, but clinical trials face challenges. Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for verifying gene expression and improving future therapeutic approaches.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Coronary heart disease (CHD) understanding has advanced, revealing gene therapy as a potential treatment.
- Gene transfer to the cardiovascular system has demonstrated therapeutic potential in experimental studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cardiovascular gene therapy basics, clinical trial outcomes, and advancements in cardiac imaging.
- To highlight the role of imaging in overcoming challenges in cardiovascular gene therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cardiovascular gene therapy and clinical trials.
- Discussion of current and emerging imaging techniques relevant to gene therapy verification.
Main Results:
- Early human trials showed feasibility and safety of cardiovascular gene therapy.
- Later-phase clinical trials have yielded disappointing results, largely due to difficulties in verifying gene expression in target tissues.
Conclusions:
- Cardiovascular gene therapy requires improved methods for verifying gene expression.
- Advancements in medical imaging are essential for the future success of gene therapeutic strategies in cardiology.